The Rabbi and the major disappointment…

Alan Spring loved his parents with every ounce of strength in his body. He knew how much his Dad loved his business and when he got sick, Alan left what he was doing to join him. He never thought twice about it. He believed if his Dad needed him he would answer the call, period.

Alan always believed that the line in the Ten Commandments ‘’Honour Thy Mother and Thy Father’’ was about being there for your parents when they were older. He intended to fulfill the commandment.

Jonas Spring was on dialysis and wanted to keep his business going. He needed purpose or the only thing he would have in his life would be going to dialysis three days a week for four hour sessions and that wasn’t exactly fun or stimulating. Alan knew it would kill his Dad.

Over a six year period, Alan spent everyday with his Father and it was the best time of his life. He loved his Dad, he was smart and funny and a character. He had a great sense of humour and he was extremely smart. He was respected in his industry and competitors admired the loyalty of his clients. Even on dialysis Jonas maintained a strong work ethic. Customers loved his honesty and decency. Alan enjoyed being able to talk to him about anything and everything, besides being his Father, Jonas was his best friend.

Unfortunately, health issues started catching up with Jonas and the pressure of dialysis after fifteen years on his heart took a toll and this lead to other issues. Over the last six months of his life Jonas just didn’t feel like himself, but his mental acuity stayed sharp.

Alan, his Mother, Brother and Sister spent as much time as they could with Jonas, and on the last night of his life Alan was with him. He read him the Friday night prayers and then at 12:01 on Saturday morning Jonas passed.

Alan’s brother Jack was busy with his family and he had a business which required a lot of attention, his sister Sarah was with his Mom and had been at the hospital on a regular basis. When the funeral happened, the chapel where the service was held was filled to capacity.

Shiva was held at Jack’s house and the number of people who came to pay respect was overwhelming. There was a healthy minyan every morning and night.